Myrcene

Where it occurs naturally

β-Myrcene is a major constituent in several plant species, including hops and cannabis. Its concentration varies among plants and samples. Sources: Myrcene—What Are the Potential Health Benefits of This Flavouring and Aroma Agent? (2021 review)

Aroma & flavour

In hop contexts, β-myrcene is associated with green, herbaceous, resinous, balsamic and fresh-hop-like odors. Sources: Myrcene—What Are the Potential Health Benefits of This Flavouring and Aroma Agent? (2021 review)

What has research actually studied?

In vitro, researchers screened cannabis terpenes for TRPV1 activity using calcium-flux and electrophysiological experiments. Isolated myrcene produced TRPV1-dependent calcium responses and was a prominent contributor in tested terpene mixtures. A separate human CB1/CB2-expressing-cell assay found no modulation of its measured receptor endpoints. Sources: Myrcene and terpene regulation of TRPV1 (2019); Absence of Entourage: Terpenoids Commonly Found in Cannabis sativa Do Not Modulate the Functional Activity of Δ9-THC at Human CB1 and CB2 Receptors (2019)

What the evidence does not show

The TRPV1 experiments are laboratory assays; the authors note high doses related to myrcene's solubility and the need for dose-response research. Different receptor targets and assay endpoints explain why TRPV1 activity can coexist with no measured CB1/CB2 modulation. Neither is evidence of sedation or pain relief in people.

What does its presence in cannabis mean?

A myrcene result does not predict relaxation, sedation, or a particular aroma in a cannabis product. Direct human research linking myrcene content to cannabis-product effects is lacking.